Summer of 85

Summer of 85 takes place in the idyllic beach town of Cherbourg, situated on the northern coast of France in the summer of 1983. It's the height of the summer holidays, and for Alexis, a shy and introverted teenager, this season marks the beginning of self-discovery and growth. As the story unfolds, it's evident that Alexis is struggling to find his place in the world. He's caught in a whirlpool of adolescent emotions, torn between the desire for freedom and the longing for human connection. Alexis's life is a quiet, unassuming one, filled with routine and predictability. He works at his family's pizzeria, a humble endeavor that fails to provide him with a sense of purpose. His parents are loving but distant, too caught up in their own struggles to offer more than superficial guidance. At school, Alexis is a bit of an outsider, preferring to keep to himself rather than risk being hurt or rejected by his peers. As the summer progresses, Alexis finds solace in his friendship with the enigmatic Frédéric. Frédéric is a charismatic and confident individual, the embodiment of everything Alexis wishes he could be. However, beneath his carefree exterior, Frédéric is struggling with his own demons, grappling with the weight of his parents' expectations and the pressure of conforming to societal norms. The two boys form a bond, united by their shared desire to break free from the constraints of their mundane lives. They spend their days exploring the coastline, engaging in aimless adventures, and pushing the limits of their own courage. As they navigate the complexities of adolescence, they begin to rely on each other, forming a support system that is both fragile and resilient. Through his relationship with Frédéric, Alexis is introduced to a whole new world of possibilities. He becomes more confident, more outgoing, and more willing to take risks. However, this newfound sense of freedom is tempered by the knowledge that their time together is limited. As the summer draws to a close, the reality of their impending separation becomes increasingly daunting. The film's title, Summer of 85, is more than just a nod to the nostalgic value of summertime. It serves as a poignant reminder that the seasons are fleeting, and the carefree days of youth are numbered. For Alexis, the summer of 1983 represents a turning point in his life, a moment when he must confront the fragility of human connections and the impermanence of youth. As the story unfolds, Summer of 85 masterfully explores the intricacies of first love, the pain of heartbreak, and the struggle to come of age. Through its nuanced portrayal of adolescent emotions, the film provides a glimpse into the inner lives of its characters, laying bare their hopes, fears, and desires. The cinematography is breathtaking, capturing the sun-kissed beauty of the Norman coast and the idyllic charm of small-town life. The film's score is equally impressive, blending the nostalgia of 80s pop culture with the melancholic tones of a dying summer. Summer of 85 is a poignant and powerful coming-of-age tale, one that explores the complexities of human relationships and the fragility of youth. As the credits roll, the viewer is left with a sense of sadness, a sense that the summer of 1983 is truly gone, and Alexis's life will never be the same again.